It takes a professional partier to enjoy Calgary’s nightlife on a budget. Luckily, The Scene is home to some pro-level cheapskates who still like to live the night up.
Want to go dancing without breaking the bank? Don’t worry, The Scene — and these low-cost venues and pop-up events — are here for you… and your wallet.
Welcome to the cheapskates guide to nightlife!
Dance on a Budget
Hang The DJ
It doesn’t matter how light your wallet is: Dickens wants you on the dancefloor, grooving your face off to Depeche Mode. Hang The DJ is their monthly dance night, featuring DJ Greycell — aka owner Chris Hewitt — spinning new wave, electro, and more until the wee hours. Entry is only $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after, and the atmosphere includes all. The next regular HTDJ is on Dec. 14 (this Saturday!), and there’s a massive New Year’s Eve party that features ‘80s tracks going up against the ‘90s.
1000 9 Ave. S.W., dickensyyc.com
Sweet Loretta
It’s officially disco December, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Sweet Loretta (learn more about this venue here). With a funked-out main level and a tiki-bar rave cave in the basement, it’s quickly becoming one of my favourite spots to bust a move. The best part? A night out at Sweet Loretta doesn’t have to break the bank. Disco Nap Happier Hour is from 5 to 7 p.m. and you can often sign up for the guest list ahead of time and grab a free RSVP to one of their events. Save the dollars for a drink; I recommend the Fresh as Fuck gin highball!
715 11 Ave. S.W., sweetlorettabar.ca
Pansy Club
Unapologetically queer and always putting on a good time, Pansy Club is an ongoing series of pop-up dance parties at venues like Dickens, TRUCK Contemporary Art, The BLOX, and more. Cover is usually $10, but they also accommodate pay-what-you-can offerings if things are tight for you. The important thing is you get in the space and lose yourself in the drag-and-DJ madness.
Follow Pansy Club’s Instagram profile for the next event: @pansyclubyyc
Silent Tension
The spirit of old-school Calgary raves is alive and well thanks to groups like Silent Tension, a local collective that promotes and books EDM shows and international DJs. Their ongoing Dungeon Dance Club series has brought the likes of Takaaki Itoh (Japan) and Ryan James Ford (Germany). They often offer cheaper admission before 10 p.m. and always ensure a safe space to rave until the morning.
Follow Silent Tension’s Instagram profile for upcoming events: @silent.tension
The Back Alley Nightclub
It’s been quite a journey for the Back Alley. For 25 years, The Alley was a greasy party hotspot in Calgary until it closed its doors in 2013. They briefly re-opened in 2019 before closing again during the pandemic. But since 2021, the club has been going strong again and bringing the noise to Macleod Trail every weekend. The $3 Power Hour is a wicked deal, but here’s the real move: many of their events offer free admission before 10:30 p.m. if you register beforehand!
4630 MacLeod Tr. S.W., backalleycalgary.com
Twisted Element
Whether at the Friday’s With Benefits drag show or the Spectacular Saturday dance parties, Calgary’s premiere gay club is always a party on the weekend. Tickets start at around $10, and attendees of all backgrounds are welcome. Plus, a hot dog stand usually sets up next to the venue late at night, and it’s a cheap way to kill those late-night drunk cravings.
1006 11 Ave. S.W., twistedelement.club
Modern Love
It was a sad day when Broken City shut its doors, but Modern Love has brought a different vibe to the space and is keeping the former Electric Avenue bumping. Fridays feature Emo Night anthems, smash burgers are $2 on Tuesdays, and they do tons of themed events ranging from Halloween to Charli XCX devoted nights. Entry varies, but $10 is the standard, with many events offering free admission! Keep an eye on their socials and hop on down 11th Ave.
613 11 Ave. S.W., modern-love.ca
Rave Mama
Technically speaking, Rave Mama has been doing events in Calgary for a year (the first-anniversary party was on Nov. 15), but they were putting stuff on for six years in Hong Kong before making their way west. Either way, we’re all the better for having accessible techno-bangers, trance shows, and all-night tunnel parties. Rave Mama often does tiered ticket pricing that starts as low as $1, so get on their mailing list and hop on tickets ahead of time for an affordable time with a great community.
More details can be found at linktr.ee/ravemama
